Twenty Five Percent Extra Exhibition, Second Year Fine Art Students, GSA June 11th and 12th 2016 12-5pm The Laurieston Arches

The Purpose of the Exhibition

In 2014 there was a major fire at Glasgow School of Art Mackintosh Building in Renfrew Street. This resulted in a section of the school moving to the Tontine building on the other side of the city, further dividing an already disparate school of fine art. It is claimed that the fire was a catalyst for the culture of expansion championed by current director Tom Inns and predecessor Seona ‘the Reid Building’ Reid.

While the school aims to grow the student body 25% by 2018, no efforts have been made to increase per capita staffing or studio space, and increased fees are used to fund vanity projects. Concerned with this situation, second year fine art students are putting on an end of year show, which aims to: foster relationships, collaboration and discussion between departments and, in particular to unify the School of Fine Art. The exhibition is part of the students’ aim o provide a stronger voice through which to challenge the art school’s embrace of consumption, expansion and growth.

There are 125 students involved, who have this to say:

‘We approached the school for funding and support in organising this exhibition. These requests were denied. As such, with support from the student union and WAVEparticle we have organised a show at the Laurieston Arches, Cleland Lane, G5 9DS. It will open on 10th June 6-9pm with an after-party at those same arches 9pm till late. It will be open over the weekend of the 11th & 12th June. We believe the school should be self-critical. We believe the school should be self-organising. We believe first and foremost that the school should be supporting its students. We are the school. We invite all to attend.’

How to get there:

Subway – The closest subway station is Bridge St. which is around five minutes walk to the West of the arches.Train – The closest rail station is Glasgow Central which is around fifteen minutes walk North-West of the arches.Car – The arches are just off the A728 but be aware that there is no parking on site.Bike – The arches are easily accessible by bike and there are plenty of places you can lock up.Plane – If coming from Glasgow Airport take the 747 bus to Partick and then take the subway from there.